MUCOUS CORPUSCLE Meaning and
Definition
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A mucous corpuscle, also known as a goblet cell, is a specialized cell found in the epithelial lining of the digestive, respiratory, and reproductive systems. This type of cell is responsible for producing and secreting mucus, a slimy substance that serves various functions in the body.
Mucous corpuscles are particularly abundant in the respiratory and digestive tracts, where they play a crucial role in protecting the mucous membranes from harmful pathogens, irritants, and dehydration. They accomplish this by producing and releasing mucus, which acts as a lubricant and a physical barrier that traps foreign particles and prevents their entry.
The structure of a mucous corpuscle is characterized by its unique shape, resembling a goblet with a wide base and a narrow neck. The base of the cell contains the nucleus and organelles responsible for producing and storing the components of mucus, mainly water, glycoproteins, and electrolytes. The neck of the cell opens into the epithelial lining, allowing the mucus to be released and spread across the surface.
The secretion of mucus by mucous corpuscles is regulated by various factors, including nervous stimulation, chemical signals, and the presence of irritants or foreign substances. When stimulated, these cells increase their mucus production to enhance the protective function of the mucous membranes.
In summary, mucous corpuscles are specialized cells that produce and secrete mucus to protect the epithelial linings of the respiratory, digestive, and reproductive systems. Their primary function is to maintain the health and integrity of these membranes by trapping foreign particles and preventing dehydration.
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A cell resembling a lymph corpuscle present in mucus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MUCOUS CORPUSCLE
- nucous corpuscle
- kucous corpuscle
- jucous corpuscle
- mycous corpuscle
- mhcous corpuscle
- mjcous corpuscle
- micous corpuscle
- m8cous corpuscle
- m7cous corpuscle
- muxous corpuscle
- muvous corpuscle
- mufous corpuscle
- mudous corpuscle
- mucius corpuscle
- muckus corpuscle
- muclus corpuscle
- mucpus corpuscle
- muc0us corpuscle
- muc9us corpuscle
- mucoys corpuscle
Etymology of MUCOUS CORPUSCLE
The etymology of the word "mucous corpuscle" can be broken down as follows:
1. Mucous: The word "mucous" derives from the Latin word "mucus", meaning "slime" or "mucus". It refers to the slimy substance secreted by mucous membranes in the body.
2. Corpuscle: The term "corpuscle" comes from the Latin word "corpusculum", which translates to "small body" or "particle". It is commonly used in biology to refer to small structures or cells.
Therefore, the term "mucous corpuscle" combines these two elements to describe a small cell or particle associated with mucus or mucous membranes.
